Geisinger – What Can Raise Your Risk of Breast Cancer? What can raise your risk of breast cancer?While you can’t control all your risk factors of breast cancer, you can arm yourself with knowledge. Better-informed health decisions, like taking preventive measures, could reduce your risk.By: Rebecca Jordan, DO, general surgery, breast, Geisinger Breast cancer is one of the better-known conditions because it’s relatively common. It’s likely you or someone you know — a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker — will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, you can take charge of your breast health now to help change the direction of your narrative and keep your breast cancer risk as low as possible. While breast cancer can’t always be prevented, regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risk. The important first step is arming yourself with knowledge and the right resources to help prevent breast cancer or catch it in its earliest stages when success rates are higher. When you know your risk factors of breast cancer, you can make informed health decisions and take preventative measures by changing elements in your environment and lifestyle. Modifiable risk factors of breast cancer Modifiable risk factors are those you can control. You can modify lifestyle choices like diet, physical activity and alcohol consumption. Scientists don’t know what causes breast cancer. But they do know positive changes in your environment and daily habits can reduce your breast cancer risk. Maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet Being overweight or obese is a known breast cancer risk factor. Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to lower your risk. Limiting your intake of processed food, sugar and red meat may also be beneficial. Stay physically active Because a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of breast cancer, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (brisk walking, swimming or biking) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (running or aerobics) each week. Limit alcohol consumption The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount to no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men. Quit smoking Smoking cigarettes, being around secondhand smoke or using other tobacco products are known risk factors. The harmful chemicals in tobacco can increase your risk of breast cancer, especially when you use or are exposed to them for long periods of time. Limit exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants Exposure to harmful substances, such as pesticides — especially DDT — industrial chemicals, plastic that contains BPA and even some beauty products that include parabens, can increase your risk of breast cancer. However, more research is needed in this area. Understand the impact of your reproductive history Childbirth can affect your risk, too. Factors that increase your risk of breast cancer include becoming pregnant for the first time after age 30, not breastfeeding and never giving birth at all. Avoid hormone replacement therapy Hormone replacement therapy is used to relieve symptoms of menopause and help prevent osteoporosis. But according to research, taking some forms of hormone replacement therapy, especially those that combine estrogen and progesterone, for more than five years during menopause can raise your risk of breast cancer. If you’re considering hormone therapy, talk to your doctor about the benefits versus risks to decide if it’s right for you. Can deodorant cause breast cancer? Because underarm antiperspirant or deodorant is applied near the breast, some fear that the potentially harmful ingredients in these products, such as aluminum compounds or parabens, might be absorbed into the body, disrupt hormone levels and lead to breast cancer. Research on this topic is limited, but the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute state there is no convincing scientific evidence to support the claim that deodorant or antiperspirant use increases the risk of breast cancer. While concerns about deodorant and antiperspirant use persist, focusing on known risk factors and taking appropriate steps to maintain breast health are the most important things you can do to reduce your risk. Can birth control cause breast cancer? Many studies have found consistent evidence that women who use birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is especially true if they have used them for longer than 10 years. We know that estrogen and progesterone stimulate the development and growth of some cancers, but studies vary on the true risk of these medications. Fortunately, research also shows us that once the pills are stopped, the risk for breast cancer seems to return to normal within about 10 years. If you’re considering oral contraceptives, talk to your doctor. They can guide you based on your medical history, risk factors and birth control preferences. Weigh the risks versus benefits with a healthcare professional to decide what’s best for you. Nonmodifiable risk factors of breast cancer Nonmodifiable risk factors are those beyond your control, including your age, gender and family history of breast cancer. Although you can’t change these risk factors, being aware of them can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about screening and risk management. Nonmodifiable risk factors of breast cancer include: Your age, especially if you’re older than 50 Family history of breast or ovarian cancer Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 Dense breast tissue Early menstruation (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 55) Reducing your risk factors of breast cancer Now you know what changes to make in your environment and daily habits to reduce your modifiable risk factors. But don’t forget about screenings and early detection strategies. They’re crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, can help detect the disease in its early stages when it’s most treatable. If you’re in your 20s or 30s, start getting a clinical breast exam every one to three years when you visit your primary care provider or gynecologist. Before turning 40, talk to your doctor about risk factors that determine how often you should have a screening mammogram. The American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends women of average risk start annual screening mammograms at age 40. Do you know you have nonmodifiable risk factors for breast cancer, such as a family history or genetic mutations? Your doctor can make personalized recommendations for earlier or additional breast screening and discuss options for risk reduction, such as medications and preventive surgeries. Early detection is the best protection: The five-year survival rate is highest for early-stage breast cancer. Understanding your unique risk profile, you can work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized plan for early detection and risk reduction — and beat the odds if you’re diagnosed. To learn more about breast cancer care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/breastcare.
Geisinger Marworth Ranked Top Treatment Center in Pennsylvania For the second year in a row, Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center has been named to Newsweek’s 2024 of American’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers as the top-ranked facility in Pennsylvania. “This recognition shows Geisinger Marworth’s dedication to providing quality, evidence-based treatment for people in our communities with substance use disorder. We are honored to once again be recognized as the top treatment center in the state,” said Kimberly Kabernagel, DO, medical director at Geisinger Marworth. The America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2024 list highlights the nation’s top facilities, ranking the top 400 inpatient/residential and long-term addiction treatment centers. Facilities in the 25 states with the highest number of addiction treatment centers, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), were included in the rankings. The evaluation process included quality and accreditation scores as well as likelihood of recommendations by peers. Geisinger Marworth, located in Waverly, offers a wide continuum of treatment services to include inpatient residential treatment, IOP and general outpatient services. Geisinger Marworth ensures individualized, well-integrated, evidence-based addiction care that has been repeatedly recognized and honored on various platforms to include these Newsweek rankings. A diversity of services offered include, but are not limited to, medication-assisted treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, recreational therapy, canine therapy and grief and trauma support. While Marworth’s rankings are for Pennsylvania, its services have expanded to care for individuals in New Jersey, New York, New England, and more and include specialty populations of healthcare professionals and first responders. To date, Marworth has served more than 40,000 people with substance use disorder since opening its doors in 1982.For more information about Marworth and addiction medicine care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/newsweekmarworth.
Geisinger Celebrates Growth at Commonwealth Day Event Geisinger will honor its past and embrace its future as it celebrates its growing College of Health Sciences. At its third annual Geisinger Commonwealth Day on Sept. 30, Geisinger College of Health Sciences will celebrate its growth as an integrated college with schools of nursing and medicine and a School of Graduate Education poised to launch new programs. The day is dedicated to “honoring the past and embracing the future,” and this year attendees will learn just how far the college has moved to advance its five-year strategic plan, Drive to THRIVE. “Part of honoring our past is acknowledging how important the community is to our future,” said Dr. Byerley, president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences. “We’re happy to share that our strategic plan has been expanding opportunities for local students and growing programs that will meet the changing needs of our neighbors. This year we have an important milestone to celebrate. With the Class of 2024, our medical school has surpassed 1,000 alumni. That should be a source of pride for our neighbors. And speaking of increasing access and care in our region, our college has expanded its residency programs and introduced new programs in the Northeast.” “We’ll also spotlight our research accomplishments, especially the MyCode project which passed 350,000 enrolled participants in September,” she said. “With paired DNA sequence and health data currently available for nearly 230,000 of these participants, MyCode is the largest healthcare system-based study of its kind in the United States.” The community is invited to tour the Medical Sciences Building, including the school’s Simulation Center and historical displays, and learn about current research. Geisinger Commonwealth Day will be celebrated Monday, Sept. 30, from 1 – 5 p.m. at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine St., Scranton. Register at go.geisinger.edu/geisingercommonwealthday.
Geisinger’s Hispanic Group Hosts Event on Metabolic Dysfunction In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Geisinger’s Hispanic Latino employee resource group, SALUD, has partnered with NASH kNOWledge to host an informational event titled “Metabolic Dysfunction (Fatty Liver Disease) and its Impact Within the Hispanic Community” on Monday, Oct. 7, from 4 to 5 p.m. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, affects about a third of the U.S. population, with the highest prevalence in the Hispanic community. While it’s often thought to be clinically symptomatic, fatty liver disease can impact quality of life and in some cases, lead to more serious liver diseases like cirrhosis. Awareness of the condition is important, especially for those at higher risk, because lifestyle changes and medical management can prevent progression to more severe liver disease and other chronic diseases. Featured speakers Alberto Unzueta, MD, hepatologist at Geisinger, and Maria Hernandez, Latino community outreach coordinator at NASH kNOWledge, will provide education about the condition and prevention. The event will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams and is free and open to the public. To join, visit go.geisinger.org/fattyliverdiseaseimpact.
Geisinger Doctor Provides Guide for Sports Protective Gear By Jeffrey Summers, DO, Geisinger pediatric sports medicine physician Jersey? Check. Helmet? Check. Athletic cup or pelvic protector? If you’re a parent of an athlete, that last one may be a head-scratcher. An athletic cup, also called a “jock,” is a device that protects a player’s penis and testicles from injuries during high-contact sports. A pelvic protector, sometimes called a “jill,” has a similar design to protect a player’s vulva. Both devices shift impacts away from sensitive groin structures to the sturdier pelvic bone, guarding against hits and kicks or collisions with a ball, puck, stick or player’s helmet. They’re often overlooked — many athletes choose not to use them. But even if your child only goes in for a few minutes of play, don’t skip the protection. Just like a helmet, an athletic cup or pelvic protector is a critical piece of gear in contact sports. For high-contact sports, even the smallest players can benefit from the added protection. When your child is on the field, they’ll have run-ins with a loose ball, a hockey or lacrosse stick — or another player. Those collisions can put your child at risk of a hit to the crotch. Sports where groin protection is necessary, and possibly required, include: Baseball Basketball Field hockey Football Hockey Lacrosse Martial arts Soccer Softball So, how young is too young to start wearing one? As soon as your child starts playing high-impact sports they should wear appropriate groin protection. That said, the risk increases with age if a kid has a penis and testicles. At puberty, their testicles grow, and the scrotum drops. This makes them more likely to have a groin injury. Injuries can range from mild bruising and swelling to more serious things like: Groin strains or sprains Inguinal hernias Sports hernias Testicular rupture Testicular torsion Your child can reduce the risk of a groin injury by putting on an athletic cup before heading onto the field. While a vulva is more compact, it needs protection, too. The vulva is tightly packed with more than 10,000 nerve fibers and lots of blood vessels. It hurts to catch a ball or puck flying at 70 mph on any body part, but it’s incredibly painful in this area, with possible consequences to future sexual and reproductive health. Injuries can include: Hematoma (a severe bruise that may need to be drained) Labial tears Wearing a jill or pelvic protector can stave off trauma to this sensitive region. You can find athletic cups online or at your local sporting goods store. Not sure where to start? Look for cups that are strong enough to protect the groin while being comfortable. These tips will help your child find the right one. Choose a style Cups have come a long way from the days when they were made of metal. Your athlete will breathe a sigh of relief knowing they can choose cups made from: Soft or hard plastic Carbon fiber Fabric For added comfort, consider a model with gel padding around the edges. And for easier cleaning, look for one that’s machine washable. The type of cup an athlete needs depends on the kind of hits they’ll take. Football, for example, is a higher-impact sport than basketball. Some positions see more contact than others. A young catcher, goalie or running back might need something sturdier than other members of the same team. Find the right size If a cup is too small or large, it can be uncomfortable. Cups that are too large can slip out of place or irritate the skin. A properly sized cup should fit comfortably around the groin area and shouldn’t touch the scrotum (testicles are inside the scrotum). The easiest way to select a cup size is to measure around your waist at its narrowest point. Peewee: Waist size from 19 to 22 inches is typically for children up to 4’6” and up to 75 pounds. Youth: Waist size from 22 to 26 inches is typically for children up to 5’6’ and 100 pounds. Teen: Waist size from 26 to 30 inches is typically for teens. Adult: Waist size from 30 inches or greater should consider using an adult size. After you find the right size, check for fit by lunging, running in place or jumping. If the cup shifts, is uncomfortable, or feels too loose, choose a different size. How to wear an athletic cup After finding the right cup, you’ll need a supporter to hold it in place. Always wear the cup with the pointed end facing down so you can move your legs freely. Compression shorts and impact shorts: These tight, supportive shorts have a pocket that holds the cup in place. To put the cup in, slide it into the pocket on the front of the shorts. Once it’s in place, adjust until it fits comfortably over the penis and testicles. Athletic supporter: A traditional athletic supporter (also called a jockstrap) is worn over the underwear and under the uniform pants. And once it’s on, adjust until it fits. It’s best to wear tighter underwear as added support. Pelvic protectors generally work the same way as athletic cups, and are just shallower and smaller. As relatively new sports gear, jills are less standardized in sizing and style. Style Choose the style that works best with your sport and uniform. Some are designed to slide into compression shorts or pants. Others are more like a jockstrap and are held in place with an elastic waistband. Some sports require jills, including many hockey teams. Like athletic cups, consider the position your athlete will play, with catchers and goalies requiring greater protection. Styles vary greatly, but most are thick pads that fit nicely in shorts, allowing comfort and protection. Pelvic protectors for boxing and martial arts are thickly padded briefs. Choose something that’s machine washable, and clean it often to kill bacteria and odor. Sizing and fit Look at the manufacturers’ information to find the right size. Each company’s sizing is different, but the protector should cover their genitals. Try lunging or running in place and see if it moves. If so, it’s too large and could irritate the skin. Like an athletic cup, you need something to hold the jill in place. Always wear the protector with the pointed end facing down so you can move your legs freely. Compression shorts and impact shorts: The tight, supportive shorts have a pocket that holds the protector in place. To put the cup in, slide it into the pocket on the front of the shorts with the narrow end facing down. Once it’s in place, adjust until it covers the genitals while still allowing movement. Make sure it doesn’t rub. Loose shorts: Some protectors are sewn into loose shorts, which might be preferable for sports like soccer or hockey, where they fit more easily under breezers. One piece: A standalone pelvic protector is worn over the underwear and under the uniform pants. Again, once it’s on, adjust until it fits. With the needed gear, your child can focus on playing their game. So before the next match, make sure their sports bag includes groin protection.
Geisinger Begins Hosting Super Saturday Flu Shot Clinics Drive-through flu shots offered systemwide for access, convenience Flu season is quickly approaching, and Geisinger is again making it easy to get vaccinated at Super Saturday drive-through flu shot events. This Saturday, Sept. 14, is the first Super Saturday event of the season. Drive-thru flu shots will be available for anyone age 3 and older at dozens of participating Geisinger locations. Patients 6 months and older can receive their flu shot at Geisinger pediatrics locations. All Super Saturday flu vaccine events are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Events will also be held Oct. 12 and Oct. 26. “By getting immunized, you are protecting yourself against serious illness while also reducing your risk of getting hospitalized and keeping yourself from spreading the flu to those at high risk of severe illness, including children, the elderly and those immunocompromised,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., Geisinger director of infectious diseases. Flu season typically begins in the fall and lasts throughout the winter, although the virus can be spread year-round. Peak flu activity is generally between December and February but can extend as late as May. Super Saturday drive-throughs will be held at the following Geisinger locations: Central Region: Clinics Geisinger Berwick (2200 W. Front St.) Geisinger Medical Clinic Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd.) Geisinger Frackville (701 West Oak St.) Geisinger Kulpmont (119 Nevada Drive) Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.) Geisinger Orwigsburg (300 Hollywood Blvd.) Geisinger Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way) Geisinger Selinsgrove (201 Roosevelt Ave.) Geisinger Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way) Geisinger Pediatrics Lewisburg (55 Medical Park Drive) Geisinger Pediatrics Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane) Geisinger Pediatrics Bloomsburg (2407 Reichard Road) 65 Forward Geisinger 65 Forward Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd.) Geisinger 65 Forward Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way) Geisinger 65 Forward Shamokin Coal Township (933 Route 61) North Central Region: Clinics Geisinger Medical Clinic Lock Haven (68 Spring St.) Geisinger Medical Center Muncy (255 Route 220) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Lock Haven (68 Spring St.) Geisinger Pediatrics Muncy (255 Route 220) Western Region: Clinics Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane) Geisinger Philipsburg (210 Medical Center Drive) Geisinger Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane) Geisinger Mifflintown (27 CJEMS Lane,) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane) Geisinger Pediatrics Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane) Geisinger Pediatrics Philipsburg (210 Medical Drive) 65 Forward Geisinger 65 Forward State College (293 Patriot Lane, Trader Joe’s Plaza) Northeast Region: Clinics Geisinger Dallas Cleary Drive (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive) Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.) Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.) Geisinger Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way) Geisinger Pittston (42 N. Main St.) Geisinger Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Drive) Geisinger Tunkhannock (809 Hunter Highway) CommunityCare CommunityCare Hazleton (426 Airport Road) CommunityCare Kistler Clinic (175 S. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.) CommunityCare Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Blvd.) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way) Geisinger Pediatrics Scranton (5 Morgan Highway) Geisinger Pediatrics Forty Fort (190 Welles St.) 65 Forward Geisinger 65 Forward Hazleton (20 Diana Lane) Geisinger 65 Forward Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.) Geisinger 65 Forward Scranton (3 W. Olive St.) Geisinger 65 Forward Wilkes-Barre (41 S. Main St.) – Oct. 12 and 26 only Preregistration is not necessary. Just drive up, roll down your window, fill out a brief form and get your shot. Our drive-through event staff may invite you and your children inside if they believe you’ll be safer and more comfortable getting your shots there. For the full list of Super Saturday locations and tips to stay healthy this flu season, visit geisinger.org/flu.
Spot the Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer Knowing what to look for can help you catch ovarian cancer when it’s easier to treat. Scott Purinton, MD, PhD, Geisinger gynecologic oncologist Unlike other types of cancer with more obvious symptoms, ovarian cancer is sneaky. It tends to stay under the radar, showing few symptoms — or sometimes none — until it reaches an advanced stage. Typically, ovarian cancer is discovered in its later stages after the symptoms become more pronounced. What often happens is the cancer starts to affect other parts of the body, like the bladder or rectum, and that’s when a woman will visit her doctor. Because it’s tough to spot it in earlier stages when it’s easier to treat, arm yourself with knowledge so you can recognize the subtle signs of ovarian cancer. So what are the early warning signs of ovarian cancer? These minor changes in your body could be mistaken for another less-serious health issue. But if they don’t go away, don’t ignore them. Bloating Feeling like you’re about to burst out of your jeans every day isn’t always a sign you’ve had too much pasta. Bloating could be due to an issue with your diet, but if you make some changes and the bloating persists, talk to your doctor. If your bloating sticks around for more than a few weeks, it’s time to schedule an exam. Urgent bathroom breaks If you find yourself running to the bathroom more often than usual, it might be more than just your morning coffee at play. An increased need to urinate or feeling a sudden, desperate need to go could indicate a tumor pushing on your bladder. Eating less, feeling full Have you been feeling full faster than usual or having persistent indigestion or nausea? These could be subtle hints from your body that something’s going on. What’s common among all of these symptoms is their duration. If you notice that any of these symptoms last longer than a few weeks, you should see your doctor. Aches and pains Persistent lower abdominal and pelvic pain, especially if it’s outside your normal menstrual cycle, could be a red flag. And if you’re also having fatigue, back pain or discomfort during sex, these are other signs to watch for. Knowing these early signs of ovarian cancer can make a huge difference. Early detection can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment. And while these symptoms can be related to many different conditions, when they occur together with other signs, make sure you take them more seriously. If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for more than a few weeks, or any other changes in your body that last more than a few days, make that doctor’s appointment. Any physician will agree: It’s smart to play it safe and get checked out. For more health and wellness topics, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger hosts March for Babies on Sept. 22 Walk supports March of Dimes helping to prevent preterm births and defects Get ready to take steps, whether big or small, to join the fight for the health of local parents and babies. Geisinger is hosting the March of Dimes’ March for Babies at noon on Sunday, Sept. 22 at the Henry Hood Center, which is on Center Street next to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The event will include a superhero sprint for children at 11:45 a.m. Registration opens at 11 a.m. and opening remarks will be made before the walk. Money raised during the March for Babies helps to fund the NICU Family Support programs in Geisinger’s Danville and Wilkes-Barre hospitals. NICU Family Support provides educational and supportive activities to help local families through the NICU journey and prepares them to take their baby home. Geisinger has partnered with the March of Dimes since 2006. The organization plays critical roles in raising awareness and funds to help prevent preterm birth, birth defects, and deaths. Register or donate at marchforbabies.org/event/geisinger and join the movement on Sept. 22.
Geisinger Hosts Junior Volunteers Through their service and commitment to improving the lives of our patients, volunteers play a vital part in helping to achieve Geisinger’s mission of making better health easier. Geisinger’s Junior Volunteer Program hosted 100 youth participants age 15 to 18 this summer. They collectively served more than 5,600 hours supporting Geisinger patients, families, and staff. The teens learned personal responsibility and professionalism and explored future career options through hands-on service opportunities and educational workshops. Opportunities included: CPR and trauma response training Resume writing and understanding college admissions Service programs including Caring Cart and the Canine Therapy Program Leadership roundtable session with regional and system leaders Career education sessions in pharmacy, physical therapy, radiology, surgery, maternal fetal medicine, and emergency medicine, led by Geisinger professionals “The program builds a better future for our communities and our organization by helping to educate and prepare local youth to serve in healthcare roles,” said Tina McDowell, volunteer services director. It’s held annually from mid-June to mid-August at four Geisinger hospital campuses: Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital in Lewistown, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. Know a teen who might be interested in this program? Those interested can start the online application process in February. They’ll need to provide references and participate in group interviews. To be accepted, students must also commit to serving 40 volunteer hours and participating in 15 hours of career exploration education during seven of the eight weeks of the program. The admission process is competitive, and space in the program is limited. Teens should plan ahead to apply for the summer 2025 session. Learn more about the program application requirements at geisinger.org/about- geisinger/volunteer.
Geisinger Hosts Narcan distribution events Geisinger’s pharmacy, emergency medicine, addiction medicine, and Free2BMom teams are collaborating to host two Narcan® (naloxone) distribution events at the end of August in northeastern Pennsylvania. The first event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Schimelfenig Pavilion in Nay Aug Park, located at 500 Arthur Ave. in Scranton. The second event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, in the parking lot of the Thomas C. Thomas building, located at 90 E. Union St. in Wilkes-Barre. At both events, attendees can receive two free boxes of Narcan while supplies last, and healthcare professionals will demonstrate how to properly administer the lifesaving medication. Fentanyl and xylazine testing strips will also be available for those who are interested. Community health partners at the event can provide information and resources for anyone who is in recovery or seeking recovery.
